The boys played on the beach and in the waves as the sun set over the (straight

There is something about having your small children on one of the world's most active volcano (Kiluaea has been in constant eruption since 1983) that is slightly unsettling.  Although no flowing lava was visible, having steam vents all around was real enough for me!

It's quite ironic that I come back home to the Pac NW from Hawaii to catch a better sunset.  Due to fog and steam-vent action from Kilauea, the sunsets were less than spectacular, unfortunately.   I love that our house

Selfie for Blam! ;)  Jealous?  (Actually, I didn't even go in! I don't have the cashflow to afford a Coach at the "Kings Shops"!)

We took a boat ride around the Hilton, and they have these beautiful African crowned cranes.  This one happens to be named Thumper.  Very appropriate on this Easter afternoon.

The Big Island is so different when compared to older islands, such as Maui or Oahu.  You can be in one location, surrounded by giant ferns, banyon trees, and other tropical plants, and then drive for 15 minutes and be

The hubby and I had the luxury of going out in the evening sans keiki (kids) a few nights, thanks to my wonderfully fabulous inlaws.  I had never been to a luau, and oh what I was missing!  The scent

I had too many to decide from on this day!  It was a beautiful, clear day with many amazing sites visited (ruins, small artsy town, amazing lookout, Hawaiian cowboy country), but I had to go with my palm!

We had the most amazing time at this tucked away black sand beach!  Through a gated entrance, surrounded by 10+ million dollar homes (no exaggerations), we got to play, snorkel, and find interesting pieces of coral among the lava sand.  The

The boys were obsessed with the lava.  Pointing out everywhere we went, which was pahoehoe (smooth) and a'a (crumbly) lava.  Poor Maxo made it until the last day until he tripped on the sidewalk and fell on some a'a and